In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the alliance behind current President, Joseph Kabila, left the mediation efforts by the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) between the alliance and the opposition coalition “Rassemblement”. Kabila’s mandate is set to end on December 19 and the Rassemblement already called for demonstrations should the President not step down from power.

Alert in Cameroun: 27 suspected cases notified from the Prison of Kribi. Samples were tested negative although issues in sampling were registered (lack of Cary-Blair and delays in transport – 4 days). No definitive conclusion can then be drawn upon these analyses.

Nearly 4,000 refugees relocate from Yida to Pamir camp: In Pamir refugee camp, as of 30 November, UNHCR relocated 2,332 refugees from Yida to Pamir including 2,185 refugees previously settled in Yida settlement. Cumulatively, 3,766 refugees have been relocated from Yida to Pamir, including 3,386 individuals previously settled in Yida settlement since opening its opening in September. The total population of Pamir camp now stands at 3,788 individuals (869 households).

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In 2013, African Union (AU) leaders committed to a future where the continent is free from the scourge of conflict; pledging to ‘end all wars in Africa by 2020.’

But the high ideals of Vision 2020 – also referred to as ‘Silencing the Guns’ – can only become a reality if pragmatic steps are taken to curb the misuse and uncontrolled spread of arms. One such measure is the enforcement of United Nations (UN)-imposed arms embargoes.

Global agricultural prospects are improving but lean seasons loom in near future

8 December 2016, Rome - Civil conflict and weather-related shocks have severely stressed food security in 2016, increasing the number of countries in need of food assistance, according to a FAO report. The new edition of the Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, released today, highlights 39 countries that are in need of external assistance for food.

Despite a peaceful and successful transition in the Central African Republic earlier in 2016, the recent outbreak of violence there had demonstrated the extremely fragile situation in the country, the Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), told the Security Council today.